Transportation Commission Meeting

CITY OF ESCONDIDO MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMISSION April 9, 2015 The regular meeting of the Escondido Transportation and Community Safety Commission was called to order at 3:06 p.m., Thursday, by Vice-chair Dumey, in the City Council Chambers, 201 North Broadway, Escondido, California. Commissioners present: Vice-chair Dumey, Commissioner Sarro, Commissioner Spoonemore, Commissioner Simonson, and Commissioner Leone. Commissioners absent: Commissioner Dayani, and Chair Blackstock. Staff present: Ed Domingue, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Julie Procopio, Assistant Director of Engineering; Homi Namdari, Assistant City Engineer; All Shahzad, Associate Engineer/Traffic Division; Abraham Bandegan, Associate Engineer/Traffic Division; Beth Kassebaum, Department Specialist; Mark Peterson, Escondido Police Department; and Ty Paulson, Minutes Clerk. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Rick Paul, Escondido, expressed his concern for the safety of the Escondido High School students who were walking on El Norte Parkway between Ivy and Broadway in order to access the school. He suggested that the school work with the Police Department in educating the students and warning them that citations would be issued. MINUTES: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Commissioner Leone, to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2015, meeting. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT ITEMS: (Pulled from Consent Calendar by Vice-chair Durney) 1. Centre City Parkway and Escondido Boulevard (North & South) Eliminate Left Turn Movements Abraham Bandegan, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended the following: 1) Prohibiting the westbound left-turn movement at both the north and south intersection of Escondido Boulevard and Centre City Parkway; 2) prohibiting the westbound through movement at the 1 south intersection; and 3) install new signage and infrastructure improvements. Vice-chair Durney asked what the percentage was in favor and opposed to staffs recommendation. Mr. Bandegan stated that the percentage was approximately 60 percent opposed and 40 percent in favor. Commissioner Leone stated that he strongly objected, noting that the subject area was in his neighborhood. He stated that the real problem was at Citracado Parkway and Centre City Parkway, feeling that closing left-turn movements at the north and south intersections would funnel all traffic onto Citracado Parkway. Vice-chair Durney and Mr. Bandegan discussed the circumstances of the two fatality accidents cited in the staff report. Mr. Bandegan noted that the south site was below the minimum site distance standards and the north site was a little above the minimum site distance standards. Vice-chair Dumey asked if the southern merge lane could be extended. Mr. Bandegan noted staff would look into this. Mr. Shahzad noted that one of the accidents occurred at the subject merge lane. Commissioner Sarro asked if a traffic study had been conducted to determine the amount of vehicles using the subject intersections as well as potential impacts on traffic flows in the surrounding areas. She indicated that she would like to see more data and alternatives. She also asked if traffic signals were proposed for the two subject locations. Mr. Bandegan stated that these sites were not on the traffic priority list. Mr. Shahzad noted that traffic volumes had not been studied for the subject sites. Commissioner Sarro felt more relevant accident data was needed for the subject area as well as knowing the cumulative impacts on the surrounding area. Mr. Bandegan stated that staffs recommendation was based on eliminating the possible safety issues based on site distance. Vice-chair Dumey felt the Citracado/Centre City Parkway intersection could be impacted by the subject closures. He felt more information was needed. He also suggested separating the two intersections for consideration at a later meeting. Homi Namdari, Assistant City Engineer, noted that Centre City Parkway was becoming a secondary highway similar to 1-15. He stated that staff brought this to the Commission based on safety concerns. Bill Metzker, Escondido, stated that he lived on Rorex Drive. He expressed his concern with the City eliminating the left turn out of Brotherton to Centre City Parkway, noting that this added traffic to other communities. He stated that he was opposed to eliminating left turn movements at the subject north location, 2 noting it was heavily used. He stated that this would require him and surrounding residents to travel down to Citracado or up to Felicita to access their properties. He felt one accident in six years was not a valid point to prohibit left turn movements. Commissioner Sarro suggested restricting left-turn movements at the south site due to having poor site distance and safety concerns as well as considering this site for the Traffic Signal Priority List. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Commissioner Simonson, to prohibit through and left-turn movements at the Centre City Parkway and South Escondido Boulevard-South on an interim basis until further studies had been conducted for both the south and north intersections. Motion carried. Ayes: Sarro, Simonson, Dumey, and Spoonemore. Noes: Leone. (4-1) 2. Free Limited-Time Parking Row on Municipal Parking Lot 1 and three (3) 15- minute stalls in Downtown Escondido. Abraham Bandegan, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended the Commission approve the Downtown Parking Subcommittee and staff proposal to recommend to City Council the addition of a row of free 3-hour parking in Lot 1, with two spaces designated for 15-minute parking, and converting one space of 2-hour parking on North Broadway at the intersection of Grand Avenue to 15-minute parking. Vice-chair Durney questioned why this was not being considered for Lots 3, 4, and 6. Mr. Bandegan noted that staff wanted to use Lot 1 as a pilot program to determine whether it would be advantageous to Implement it at other lots. Commissioner Spoonemore asked how long the pilot program would last. Mr. Bandegan noted that no time period had been established, noting that the Commission could recommend a time period. Julianne Jones, Escondido, noted that she was a merchant on Grand Avenue and a member of the Downtown Business Association (DBA). She stated that the DBA suggested changing the two-hour parking to three-hour parking immediately in order to provide parking for merchants. She noted that the area did not have adequate customer parking. She stated that as a hairdresser she was unable to adequately serve some of her customers in two hours. She also noted that the pilot program at the Mercado was successful. Mr. Bandegan noted that the downtown parking subcommittee was actually looking at reducing the parking times, noting they were looking for a higher turnover rate. 3 Ms. Procopio stated that the staff recommendation came about as a result of holding a community meeting, receiving over 50 surveys from area businesses and residences, and through a compilation of data which was reported to the downtown parking subcommittee. Vice-chair Dumey was in favor of staffs recommendation with continuing to review both short-term and long-term parking. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Commissioner Simonson, to approve Consent Item 2. The motion included staff bringing this item back in six months with a final recommendation from the Downtown Parking Subcommittee. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Traffic Management Project List — FY 15/16 Rankings Abraham Bandegan, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended that the following four top-ranked projects be selected for further design and evaluation: 1) School zone crosswalk improvements; 2) Gamble Street traffic management; 2) Uncoln Avenue, Ash Street and Mission Road (Pioneer Elementary School Area); and 4) Ash Street and Sheridan Avenue Intersection. Discussion ensued regarding a clarification of the traffic budget. Commissioner Spoonemore felt a $50,000 budget was difficult to work with. He questioned what it would take to review the traffic budget. Ms. Procopio noted that the City Council reviewed CIP budgets in May, noting that staff had requested $50,000 for next year. She also stated that the Commission could request additional funds. Vice-chair Dumey and staff discussed the differences between Ivy and Gamble. Vice-chair Durney asked if the $30,000 being proposed for Gamble could be reduced and used in another location. He then referenced Project 4, Ash Street to East Uncoln Avenue, and asked if enough radius existed to make a right turn from Lincoln onto to Ash, feeling this would slow traffic. Mr. Bandegan noted staff could study this further. Vice-chair Dumey and staff discussed the status of the radar signage relocation as well as the feedback received for the installation of the stop signs for Project 7 (Eucalyptus Avenue). 4 Richard Conwell, 2257 Eucalyptus Avenue, Escondido, stated that he had a letter signed by 60 residents of Rancho Verde requesting that Eucalyptus Avenue be placed on the Traffic Priority List. He stated that Eucalyptus Avenue was inundated with excessive traffic from the Felicita area using it as an arterial street. He expressed his concern with individuals speeding once they passed the radar speed signs. He also expressed his concern with the intersections of Ventana and Eucalyptus and Stoneridge north and Eucalyptus not meeting the sight distance requirements and suggested that stop signs be installed at these locations. Gail Conwell, 2257 Eucalyptus Avenue, Escondido, recommended that the Commission listen to the residents on Eucalyptus Avenue, noting that many of the residents had given up trying to do something about the traffic situations. She then asked why speed tables were not allowed in Escondido. She also asked if residents were allowed to fund traffic projects. Vice-chair Dumey asked if residents were allowed to pay for traffic improvements provided the improvements met code. Ms. Procopio replied in the affirmative. Discussion ensued regarding potential traffic calming measures for Eucalyptus Avenue. Mr. Shahzad noted that if the residents were committed to funding additional traffic calming measures for Eucalyptus Avenue, staff could work out a preliminary design and bring it back to the Commission. Kimberly Israel, Escondido, noted that she was the coordinator of community outreach for the Escondido Union School District, project director for Escondido Safe Routes to School Program, and acting facilitator for the Escondido Smart Streets Coalition. She then provided the background and organizations involved with the Escondido Smart Streets Coalition. She stated that they had conducted over nine walk audits, convened numerous meetings with parents, community members, school staff, crossing guards, and students, which were where the priorities they submitted were generated. She indicated that priorities included high visibility crosswalks; specific traffic calming measures near schools and other high-volume student/pedestrian traffic locations. In conclusion, she noted that the funding would be a true investment in the youth, noting that three significant traffic accidents involving students near the schools had occurred since November. She then thanked the Public Works and Traffic Engineering team for their help as well as the Commission for their consideration. Sandy Veiasco, Escondido, Member of CX3, stated that she supported the Incorporation of Smart Streets collective priority list into the Traffic Management Priority Ust. She then thanked the City for the improvements at the Mission and Ash intersections. She noted that they supported Smart Streets recommendation 5 for high-visibility crosswalks at all schools. She felt crosswalks created safer routes for students and promoted more walking. Yazmin Lopez, Escondido, Member of CX3, referenced the area of Mission Avenue between Fig Street and Ash Street and asked that the City incorporate their proposed projects to projects already planned by the City. She asked that the City add high-visibility crosswalks at the intersection of Fig and Mission. She felt high-visibility crosswalks should be the standard for all schools. She also stated that they supported the proposed Uncoln Avenue, Ash Street and Mission Road project. Arturo Veiasco, Escondido, Member of CX3, stated that they supported the priority list submitted by Smart Streets. He expressed his concern with the high speeds of vehicles on Ash Street jeopardizing the safety of the residents and students in the area. He asked that a high-visibility crosswalk be installed at the intersection of Fig Street and 4 th Avenue as well as installing crosswalks at the entrance of Escondido Creek in order to encourage exercise and commuting. Yesenia Martinez, Escondido, Special Projects Coordinator for the Escondido Education Program, noted she was involved in a pilot program with the Escondido Police Department and Escondido Union District for the Safe Routes to and from school. She noted that the intersection of Ash and Sheridan was the most dangerous due to excessive vehicle speeds and requested that consideration be given to installing all-way stop traffic controls. Mark Haines, Escondido, stated that he lived in close proximity to the radar speed signage on Eucalyptus Avenue. He stated that vehicles were speeding once they passed the radar signage. He expressed his concern with not being able to safely walk on the sidewalks on Eucalyptus Avenue due to speeds of vehicles. He expressed his concern with the excessive amount of cut-thru traffic and the new developments adding to the existing traffic issues on Eucalyptus Avenue. Officer Peterson concurred with prioritizing all-way stop controls at the intersection of Ash and Sheridan and installing radar signage at Lincoln and Ash. He also noted that there were constant speeding issues in the area of Escondido High School. Vice-chair Durney suggested that the City work with the citizens on Eucalyptus Avenue. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Vice-chair Dumey, to recommend funding the following projects in priority order: Projects 1 (School Zone Crosswalk), 3 (Ash Street and Sheridan Intersection), 4 (Lincoln Avenue, Ash Street and 6 Mission Road), 5 (Escondido High School Speed Radar Feed-Back Signage), and 7 (Traffic Management Eucalyptus Avenue). The motion also included requesting additional funding for Projects 2 (Traffic Management on Gamble Street) and 6 (North Broadway between Reidy Creek and North Avenue) and that priority be given to Project 611 funding could not be provided for both projects. Motion carried. Ayes: Sarro, Spoonemore, Dumey, and Simonson. Noes: None. Abstained: Leone. (4-1) 2. Truck Route Modifications — Update to Existing Route Map Ali Shahzad, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended the Commission approve the modified Truck Routes per Chapter Ill Mobility and Infrastructure of the 2012 adopted Escondido General Plan and amend Section 28-128 of the Traffic Municipal Code connecting 2 nd Avenue east to East Valley Parkway and East Valley Parkway west to Escondido Boulevard. Additionally, staff recommended a route to connect Washington Avenue west to Mission Road along with deletion of Grand Avenue between Quince Street to Escondido Boulevard. ACTION: Moved by Vice-chair Dumey, seconded by Commissioner Sarro, to approve staffs recommendation. Motion carried. Ayes: Sarro, Spoonemore, Dumey, and Simonson. Noes: None. Abstained: Leone. (4-1) 3. Classical Academy on Woodward Avenue — Mid-Block Crossing with Guard Control All Shahzad, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended the Commission approve the installation of a mid-block crosswalk on Woodward Avenue fronting the school with solar powered flashing beacons on both approaches as part of the school zone signing and striping package. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Commissioner Simonson, to approve staffs recommendation. Motion carried. Ayes: Sarro, Spoonemore, Dumey, and Simonson. Noes: None. Abstained: Leone. (4-1) 4. South Broadway and 13 th Avenue — All Way Stop Control All Shahzad, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended the Commission recommend to City Council the installation of Stop Signs on 13 th Avenue at the intersection with Broadway. 7 ACTION: Moved by Vice-chair Dumey, seconded by Commissioner Sarro, to approve staffs recommendation. Motion carried. Ayes: Sarro, Spoonemore, Dumey, and Simonson. Noes: None. Abstained: Leone. (4-1) 5. Redwood Terrace — HAWK Controlled Crossing All Shahzad, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted that staff recommended the Commission approve the warrant analysis to support a pedestrian signal at Redwood Terrace, 12 th Avenue and Spruce Street crossing to assist in alerting drivers. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Commissioner Simonson, to approve staff's recommendation. Motion carried. Ayes: Sarro, Spoonemore, Dumey, and Simonson. Noes: None. Abstained: Leone. (4-1) 6. Speed Surveys Citywide — New batch of speed surveys, including new speed limits Ali Shahzad, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted that staff recommended the Commission recommend to City Council approval of the updated Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) for posted speeds on various street segments Citywide. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Vice-chair Dumey, to approve staff's recommendation. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Commission Chair — Nomination and Vote ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Commissioner Simonson, to nominate Vice-chair Dumey to Chair. Motion carried unanimously. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Chair Dumey, to nominate Commissioner Spoonemore to Vice-chair. Motion carried unanimously. 8 OLD BUSINESS: 1. An overview of various projects involving the City a. MTS Rapid Bus TSP Project — Bus Shelter Construction b. Traffic Signal Designs for El Norte/Fig & East Valley Parkway/Date — Design in progress c. 2nd Avenue and Quince Striping — Design in progress Received. SCHOOL AREA SAFETY 1. Intersection Crosswalk Striping near Schools — Ongoing with pavement rehab at traffic signals, as appropriate near school zones. Received ANY OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Future Agenda Items — A briefing of future agenda items proposed to be presented to the Transportation Commission. Chair Dumey referenced the street parking near his business located at 253 Escondido Boulevard, noting his vehicle had been sideswiped twice in a short period of time. He questioned whether striping would help alert drivers of parked vehicles. He asked that this be put on as a future agenda item, noting he would need to recuse himself. Mr. Shahzad noted that staff would look into the situation. Chair Dumey asked why the Fire Department did not allow speed bumps. Mr. Bandegan noted that the traffic management toolbox allowed speed cushions and speed tables with the Fire Department's approval. COUNCIL ACTION: a. Inspiration and Beethoven Stop Signs b. Speed Surveys Received. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Sarro asked if staff had received any complaints about excessive speeds on La Honda. Mr. Namdari replied in the negative. 9 ADJOURNMENT: Chair Dumey adjourned the meeting at 5:04 p.m. The next meeting of the Commission would be held July 9, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 201 North Broadway, Escondido. Ali Shahzad, Associate Engineer Ty Pa1jr, n, Minutes Clerk 10